LPDDR5/4/4X PHY in TSMC (16nm, 12nm, N7, N6, N5)

Overview

Key Features

• Low latency, small area, low power
• Compatible with JEDEC standard LPDDR5 SDRAMs up to 6400 Mbps
• Compatible with JEDEC standard LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs up to 4267 Mbps
• DFI 5.0 compliant interface to the memory controller
• LPDDR5 DFI Frequency Ratio Support: DFI 1:1:4, 1:1:2 modes (DFICLK:CK:WCK)
• LPDDR4 / LPDDR4X DFI Frequency Ratio Support: DFI 1:2, 1:4 mode support
• Flexible channel architecture
• 16- or 32-bit data path widths, supporting either single x32 channel or two x16 channels
• 64-bit support via two 32-bit PHYs or four 16-bit PHYs
• 1 or 2 memory ranks comprised of x16 and/or x8 (“byte mode”) DRAM devices, including packages using x8 devices on one rank and x16 devices on another
• Flexible configuration options: up to 2 DQ loads, 8 CA loads, and 4 CS loads
• Support for many DRAM packaging options:
• SDRAM components soldered directly to PCB
• Package on Package PoP devices
• PHY independent, firmware-based training using an embedded calibration processor
• Utilizes specialized hardware acceleration engines
• Automatic periodic retraining through the DFI MASTER Interface
• Supports:
• Command Bus Training (VREF and Delay)
• Write Leveling, Read Gate Training
• Write/Read Training:
• Per-bit DQS to DQ centering and per-bit deskew
• Per-rank VREFDQ training on DRAM DQ bits
• Periodic retraining for DRAM write (tDQS2DQ) and read (tDQSCK) drift
• IO calibration and ODT calibration
• Supports 1 tap of Decision Feedback Equalization
• Periodic retraining for DRAM write (tDQS2DQ) and read (tDQSCK) drift
• Read data capture using differential RDQS strobe pair, or, at lower speeds (threshold TBD) using a strobeless CDR-like data capture
• Support for up to fifteen distinct trained states/frequencies to permit fast frequency changes
• Each trained state can have unique frequency and I/O drive and ODT impedance settings
• Three inactive idle states:
• DFI_LP Mode: most clocks and delay lines gated
• PHY Inactive: leakage only
• PHY Retention: Core power removed, most I/Os powered down, SDRAMs held in self-refresh
• Voltage and temperature compensated delay lines used for:
• Centering the clock in the address/command window and strobes in the data eyes
• Includes a low-jitter PLL for both PHY clock generation and SDRAM clock generation
• Only one PLL is required per DDR PHY
• Support for all write preamble/postamble settings defined by JEDEC
• SW controllable DQ bit and AC bit swizzling
• Supports PHYs that go around a die corner and support for both East-West and North-South orientations
• Includes the PHY Utility Block (PUB)
• Soft IP Verilog design that includes PHY control features, such as read/write leveling and data eye training
• APB and JTAG interfaces for register access
• Test support:
• At-speed loopback testing on both the address and data channels
• Delay line BIST
• MUX-scan ATPG (stuck-at SCAN)
• PLL lock test
• ZQ calibration test
• Facilitates a JTAG register interface for easy test access
• Firmware-based 2D eye mapping diagnostic tool allows measuring 2D eye for every bit of the bus at both DRAM and host receivers
• Direct override programming available for all VREF, ODT, drive strength, and timing delays to facilitate debug and characterization
• Automotive grade PHYs in development

Benefits

• Supports JEDEC standard LPDDR5, LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X SDRAMs
• Support for data rates up to 6400Mbps
• Designed for rapid integration with Synopsys Enhanced Universal DDR Memory Controller (uMCTL5) for a complete DDR interface solution
• DFI 5.0 controller interface
• PHY independent, firmware-based training using an embedded calibration processor
• Optional dual channel architecture for LPDDR5/4/4X modes, which facilitates two independent channels in less area versus two independent PHYs
• Support for DFI-based low power modes and lower power sleep and retention modes
• Support for up to 15 trained states/
• frequencies with < 5us switching time???
• Flexible implementation to support Package-On-Package (PoP) or discrete DRAM-on-PCB systems with optimized PHY architecture
• Built-in anti-aging features to prevent effects of NBTI & HCI

Applications

• Smartphones and tablets
• Embedded mobile computing
• Ultraportable laptops/“Ultrabooks”
• Automotive
• Mobile multimedia
• Digital home/office
• Wireless connectivity

Deliverables

• Executable .run installation file which includes GDSII, LEF files, LVS netlists, .lib/.db timing models, Verilog model, DRC/LVS log files, I/O IBIS Model, I/O HSPICE netlist, parameterized Verilog top-level PHY netlist files, sample Verification Environment, PHY data book, physical implementation guide, app notes, verification guide, installation guide, and implementation checklist
• PUB includes Verilog code, Synthesis/ STA constraints and scripts, sample verification environment, and data book
• Implementation Guide, Application notes, and quick start manuals
• Firmware for training, ATE test and diagnostics
• DDR PHY compiler
• Support for PHY emulation
• Optional deliverables include:
• Signal integrity consulting services
• PHY hardening consulting services
• Subsystems consulting services
• IP Prototyping kit for FPGA-based prototyping

Technical Specifications